Dark Prince Chapter 24, a code geass fanfic

Chapter 24

Dark Prince

Helltanz's notes: AN9 your request is already part of the plan, as for the demotion that is probably what would happen except there will be bigger fish to fry.

Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.

Chapter begin

The Dark prince had reluctantly agreed to Shirley's offer. Admittedly he didn't have much on his plate he could do right now after Narita.

At present both sides were cooling their heels here in Japan. No body wanted to spark another fight like that.

There was also the fact the Black Knights would have to focus on the impending Chinese Invasion. This would severly hamper his plans, even with the arrival of Jeremiah's comrades. The whole world was a messy cluster of conflicts all over the canvas and while Japan was important most troops were tied up else where.

Pytor was busy making upgrades to the Ector as well, admittedly they had recouped some of their Knightmare numbers though that was one issue they lacked pilots with experience. In the meant time the teen had at last conceded to allow Cornelia access to Hokaido Institue for Defense Research. The other faction heads hadn't had much objection to the matter. While the facility was important it was one of several major facilities on the island that was of importanance to the Black Knights. Cornelia would be assauged of interest by letting her have limitted access and it also permitted the Black Knights further leeway within Area 11.

Lelouch groaned in protest, the whole event was absurd, that he had to tag along, even Shirley had skipped out, but that was Millie for you, though it was readily apparent that Kallen's stepmother was a bitch.

"Am I boring you Lelouch?" The president of the Student Council demanded sweetly to the prince.

"Not at all Madam President," he responded he wasn't bored per say. So much as believed it was not a very appropriate use of his time, given the situation that was on the horizon. The whole world was getting closer to being embroiled in war and he was stuck doing this.

Lelouch however managed not to convey his true resentment on the matter except to Millie who really, at least to him, knew him far to well.

"We apologize for wasting your time then," She remarked before whacking him on the head.

'How did Narita go?' Seemed like such a crass question in fact even for all the hush this caused amongst both Britannian and the elevens the students of Ashford couldn't shut up about it.

The Clubs of the Academy dallied about bantering about the latest conspiracy theories on the subject or another concerning the battle.

Millie had badgered him enough about the deployment. Enough badgering so Kallen, who had walked in was suspicious of him, or more specifically the knowledge of the Edinburgh and her curiousness over the more unique Manchester, which was what in question Millie, had asked about since she knew about or at least all she could about the Edinburgh.

She, president of the student council, was an Ashford. So the restored or rather recovering family did have some information that Lelouch was free to share, though the Dark prince had yet to share all the details.

Millie had when she had burst into the room assured Kallen that it was simply a family matter and nothing to worry about. Of course he wouldn't be nor did he have any reason to tell timid Kallen Stadtfeld about the RPI 603m just as he had denied Millie about the Dudley. Admittedly Millie might have gotten told off more harshly for certain derogatory remarks about the RAI 01.

Of course Millie was now amusedly poking fun at the two of them, to the apparent jealousy of the majority of the girl's at Ashford Academy. Not that they were present for this little excursion to the Stadtfeld estate, even Shirley was absent which was odd.

Aforementioned excursion was proving particularly unpleasant. There was little that could be done about Kallen's stepmother; horrid vapid bitch that she was.

The Dark Prince passed Rivalz the requested snack plate as Millie paused to actually talk about the budget unfortunately the blue haired boy managed to spill it as Millie took a particularly deep breath this coupled with Rivalz's noticeable fascination with Millie's 'assets' thus led to the mess and semi amusement and disapproving looks.

The student council soon dissolved into antics of the usual sort.

Nina did seem a little bit more interested than she had been about Euphemia now it was a bloody damn obsession.

Well that could certain be a problem even if she wasn't a member of the nobility. It wasn't well known for the sakes of keeping his true identity hidden but Lelouch did also hold the rank of count, earl, plus his status as an imperial prince, of course due to his exile, in all but name the holdings of his siblings who were also in the running were more numerous:

Schneziel in addition to being Prime Minister had three duchies and four lesser titles, all of which he kept in excellent condition and all productive a task the first prince seemed unable to replicate, though none of Odysseus's holding were in the red. Schneziel's holdings were vast because he'd repeatedly demonstrated that he was capable.

Of course Millie wouldn't likely reveal Lelouch, since it would inevitably trigger the revelation of his princely status oh and reveal his survival to Britannia. That obviously would cause certain issues to come to the fore.

Time again came into play in the matter once more it was the key factor.

Kallen cautiously stole a furtive glance at the prince. He caught her eye, she abruptly blushed and turned away. That was another problem he needed to deal with.

The Black Knights were known to have Britannians and European members he had expressed that early and reminded the members, of Kallen's group, of it often.

Of course he couldn't very well say something about his identify though he would likely have to reveal himself.

There was also though a lesser concern Shirley to deal with. He might need to renege on the concert.

Ah well that could be determined after he learned about whatever it was Ogi had contacted him about.

"Kyoto praised us for using the Guren Mark II so well," Ogi remarked. "I thought that was encouraging," He admitted,

Lelouch of course would have been annoyed had they not been impressed with his use of the Guren, but he didn't say this working with Kyoto would be a necessity. Now especially as he would need their resources to improve the odds against countering a Chinese invasion force without tapping Cao's forces so soon.

"But there was the interference of those white Knightmares," Kallen protested, she had voiced her complaints about the Club being more of a prototype production machine, and from that was concerned that Britannia would make more of them.

"Don't sweat it was a win, wasn't it?" Tamaki interjected before laughing uproariously for several moments. "We kicked ass," He declared.

"Here," Ogi declared extending a letter,

"What's this?" Lelouch questioned.

"A love letter," the black knight responded.
"Oh," The Dark prince quirked an eyebrow from behind his mask, "From you," He quipped.

Tamaki busted into another immense fit of laughter. "And they say you have no sense of humor," He declared tossing back his head before laughing some more.

Kallen looked up from her manual with a frown, "You laugh too much," she scolded him in an annoyed tone.

"Its an official letter from Kyoto," Ogi announced seriously "They urgently request a meeting,"

He frowned. Urgent, that could potentially be either good or bad. "I see so they are coming to us then."
"This is a really big deal Zero," Kallen interjected

"If they accept us it means funding and support," Ogi agreed, "it could solve our financial crises," The Japanese man remarked.

Lelouch frowned, "Crises, there shouldn't be any problem with our budget the allotment from Central should be keeping us tidy." He commented,

"Well uh…"

"Hey its not my fault we're part of a big organization," Tamaki protested loudly. "That means there are certain expenses."
Kallen glanced at him, "Like fancy dinner for the new recruits so you can show off," She stated in a cynical tone.

"Hey you," He growled,

"I know where you've been taking them; Big spender." She remarked in response.

This surprised him, "You know about that?"

"We'll put Ogi in charge of the treasury for now," The Dark Prince remarked, though Tamaki had a positive idea in the sense it was likely good for morale and making a good impression.

"Hold it right there I'm the one in charge of the cash that's my job," He complained,

Lelouch tapped the letter against his knee, "the purpose of the treasurer is to insure we remain above the red line, it is a position of trust" He stated, "Though your expenditure does have a valid use in keeping morale high," The prince remarked considering the matter, "as I was saying Ogi will be placed in charge of the treasury until I work out additional funds from Central."

"Did you seriously just say trust?" Tamaki remarked, "You're the guy who hides his face around his own partners,"

Ogi attempted to interject but Kallen beat him to it, "Zero's not the problem here, who cares who he is,"

"You will find that all Black Knight Commanders wear a mask, much less faction leaders." He stated, "Speaking of the others it has been established by our brethren that the Chinese Federation intends to invade Japan. This does not change our current operational standpoint or objectives at the moment. We will be continuing regular operations, however we would do well to exercise caution, and be able to shift focus at a moment's notice."

"This... this is the Fuji mine?" Ogi remarked aghast as he looked out the panoramic view that the elevator presented of the outside.

Tamaki also looked the observation window "That is so not possible, there is no way we could be here,"

"It has to be mount Fuji there is only one mountain like it," Kallen stated

"That means the Sakuradite is right below us," Remarked another of her group.

They continued to speak of the matter for a few more minutes before the Kyoto group member made his point, as the area darkened. "Its repulsive, Mount Fuji a sacred mountain once known for its clear water and quiet beauty now it is bent to the Empire's will, a place of hideous violation." He stated, "A reflection of what Japan has become, it pains me so." The old man paused, "I apologize for not showing my face, but your face is hidden as well." Four Burais arrived in the room, as the representative of Kyoto demanded Zero remove his mask, which sparked some protest.

CC, who was here in the place of Lelouch, removed her mask.

They went about the whole foolish you're not Japanese as expected, and from the shadows the teen smirked and pressed a button.

The Dark Prince chuckled as the button he pressed disengaged the active camouflage, and the Burais went offline. It was a pity the effect was only temporary though it did vary by Knightmare model. The Manchester Stealth type was deemed to be far too nit picky concerning maintenance and costly to produce to be an effective battlefieldtool, with the exception of civilized locales the system was still 'visible' by things like heavy snow or rain storms.

The RPI 603/E knelt down, and he emerged from the Machine's cockpit. "I do to apologize for the deception," The eleventh prince of the Empire stated, chuckling lightly. "Taizo Kirihara, however like you we have our reasons. Your methods are outdated and with them you will never win."

The goons reached for their weapon, resulting in the prince firing a single round into the nearest, coincidentally being the one who also was the one with his out first, man's forearm, causing the gun to spin across the ground, a laser dot swept on to the other goons chests.

Lelouch swept the pistol back, "None of that please," He remarked turning his masked visage to the other goon.

The others backed off as he gestured with his remote control for his Knightmare that was in his other hand.

"Taizo Kirihara founder of Kirihara industries, which has a monopoly on Sakuradite mining at this very sight in particular. You were formerly a backer of the Kururugi regime however when Japan fell you dodged the tribunals by collaborating with the new colonial rulers," He walked forward towards the enclosure where the old man was seated, the goons reluctantly backed away clearly not willing to risk a fight with the knightmare. "Commonly you are known amongst the common people as Kirihara the Traitor. In reality you are one of the leaders of the six houses of Kyoto a key backer of terrorism in colonial Japan." Lelouch removed his mask brushing aside the curtain,

"You," the Japanese double agent remarked in surprise. "Is it really you,"

Lelouch nodded, "It has been a long seven years Lord Kirihara," He announced to the man,

"It was nearly eight years ago since you first came to Japan, Koshaku,"

"I appreciate you taking care of me then," Lelouch stated,

The man chuckled, "So you are the leader of the Black Knights, you have grown into a strong tree boy," The old man laughed to the surprise of the others. "There is some one who will wish to see you," He remarked to Lelouch, "Ogi," Kirihara called out, "This man is the leader of the Black Knights whoever Zero may be behind his mask you can clearly trust him as he bears this man's faith. You will have our generous support, both in intelligence and strategic support,"

Lelouch reached up and returned his mask to obscuring his face, as Ogi voiced his thanks for the support, "Kirihara the Black Knights will work with Kyoto for a better future," He stated,

"I have no doubt of your abilities Koshaku," The man stated, "If anyone can defeat that man you are he."

Shirley had apparently lost her father at Narita, of which she blamed the Japanese Liberation Front, thankfully, and then there was the mess he had gotten called to in order to clarify the priorities on the Skidbladnir due to worsening time constraints. Most notably the fact they needed to get it ready and with so little time they would have to forego installing certain features, or furnishing parts. It was distasteful but they would have to use the ship incomplete.

The steadily worsening situation was exhausting.

Lelouch sat up from the office couch he had been napping on as the door opened, to the shrill calling of his name, as far as he was concerned it was to early to be up and about after last nights hectic runaround.

Oh Hell was about the only thing which registered as he was tackled

Kaguya, she knew he was leading the Black Knights. Kirihara he could care less about knowing the fact of his survival and position, but the mistress of the Sumeragi house well this was trouble incarnate.

Well the old man had said someone would want to see him, but to direct her to Hokaido was… well then again considering the circumstances better here than somewhere else for her to greet him.

"You're as much of a sleepy head as ever," She scolded.

"I apologize highness for allowing," The Dark Prince waved Alan off.

There was no stopping Kaguya in these kind of situations. "Its fine," He responded to the Black Knight, "Do we have any other surprises on the horizon,"
"Not at present," the man replied.
Lelouch sighed, that was a positive thing at least. "Get some rest, we have a lot of things on the horizon, also I'll need to call White later,"
"Yes sir."

Hokaido was the fortress of the Black Knights. There was no ghetto here, and for that reason production in that region was much higher here the Black Knights produced their weapons and mined their Sakuradite in secret. Around the settlement were the forms of Knightmares all bearing the crest of which was the bane of so many in the military. The mark of the Black Knights adorned so many things on this island. Individual Knightmares were not identical in markings though as no one faction or group handled Hokkaido.

The RPI 372 was a home produced version of the Sutherland family. It was more mass production geared than Cornelia's Gloucester, but superior to normal Sutherland's or certain other variations. The 'Oni' was the favorite of the Hokkaido Autonomous Guard.

No one however commented on it for those machines had been there since before 'Zero' had made his appearance. The people recognized, for long had they been exposed enough to recognize it, the individual markings. Istavaanian units could be seen, alongside puritan faction units, and it was no big deal.

Kaguya nodded affirmatively as she looked over the skyline of Sapporo. This place was a good sign of progress that the Black Knights were the right people to work with both on and off the battlefield.

"Welcome," Lelouch bid her politely, before stifling a yawn. "to Hokaido." He finished a bit jumbled.

Chapter conclusion

Helltanz's notes: Well that's 24, the Mao arc will go differently especially considering Lelouch will have all kinds of things he has to deal with in addition to a crazy Chinese Geass user.